Preventing Figure Skating Injuries

In recent years the physical demands of figure skating have increased dramatically with a corresponding increase in potentially detrimental effects on the adolescent body. With the elimination of figures from competition in 1999 and the introduction of a new judging system in 2003, the technical difficulties of spinning, jumping, connecting moves, lifts, and throws have significantly increased. Sound technique, proper equipment, and smarter practices and training schedules are imperative for skaters to maintain healthy bodies.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON FIGURE SKATING INJURIES?

Figure skaters suffer both overuse and traumatic injuries. About half of all injuries are caused by overuse and are preventable. Singles skaters have a higher incidence of overuse injuries, while pair skaters and ice dancers are more prone to traumatic injuries.

Common Overuse Injuries

Stress fractures, most commonly to the foot or spine Stress reactions, such as shin splints and medial tibial stress syndrome Tendonitis – Achilles, patellar, or peroneal Muscle strains of the hip Jumpers knee or patellofemoral syndrome Apophysitis – Osgood-Schlatter (knee) or iliac crest (hip) Bursitis in the ankle Lace bite, an irritation of the tibialis anterior and toe extensor tendon

Common Traumatic Injuries

Ankle sprains and fractures Dislocation of the patella or shoulder ACL and meniscal tears Head injury and concussion Labral tears of the hip Lacerations

WHAT CAUSES FIGURE SKATING INJURIES?

Overtraining and Poor Technique

Impact at landing generates deceleration forces measuring up to 100 Gs in adolescent skaters. This phenomenal force is transmitted throughout the lower extremity contacting the ice and axial skeleton and is the main contributor to the host of injuries sustained in figure skating.

Equipment

Boot stiffness: A stiff skating boot is similar to a cast. The stiffer the boot, the more limited the motion at the ankle and thus the knee, hip, and back. This limited motion may contribute to muscle weakness in the foot and ankle.

Blade placement: Poorly placed blades can cause the skater to shift more to an outside or inside edge.

Blade sharpness: Blades that are too sharp can cause less experienced skaters to be more susceptible to traumatic injuries due to the tendency for the blade to "pull" the skater.